3 Immunosuppression and Its Complications Free Online FlashCards

What does immunosuppression mean?

Immunosuppression is reduced activity of the immune system.

What are common causes of immunosuppression?

It may result from inherited immune deficiencies, infections such as HIV, illnesses such as blood cancers, or treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, corticosteroids, and immune-targeting medicines.

Name four groups of drugs that suppress immune activity.

Examples include corticosteroids, antimetabolites, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologic agents.

How can reduced immune defenses affect infections and vaccines?

It can increase infection risk, make infections more severe or prolonged, and weaken the body’s response to vaccines.

Why might infection symptoms be less obvious during immunosuppressive treatment?

Medicines may blunt inflammation or fever, so typical signs of infection can be less obvious.

What long-term cancer risk can immunosuppression increase?

Long-term immunosuppression can raise the risk of some cancers.

What are examples of non-infectious complications of immunosuppressive medicines?

Depending on the medicine, complications can include kidney or liver injury, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone problems, or altered blood-cell counts.

What balance must immunosuppression achieve after transplantation?

They reduce immune attack on the donated organ, but too little suppression can permit rejection while too much can increase infection and other complications.

Why should transplant recipients take anti-rejection medicines exactly as prescribed?

Missed or changed doses can put the transplanted organ at risk; patients should consult their transplant team before changing treatment.

Why might blood levels of tacrolimus or cyclosporine be tested?

Selected drugs, including tacrolimus and cyclosporine, may require blood-level testing to help maintain an effective and safe dose.

What can a complete blood count and differential detect during treatment monitoring?

A complete blood count and differential can identify low white-cell or neutrophil counts.

Which vaccine types are generally preferred when indicated for immunosuppressed people?

Inactivated or recombinant vaccines are generally preferred when indicated, although immune responses may be weaker.